Baseball training device and method

ABSTRACT

Baseball training devices are provided as well as methods of using same. The training devices include a target, support members, and a weight attachment apparatus for varying the weight of the training device. Methods of training include providing a training device; suspending the training device so that when hit with an incorrect swing a portion of the training device rotates; and observing the rotational motion of the device to assess swing correctness and therefore effectiveness. Training methods also include adding weight to the training device.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the field of baseball training.Specifically, the present disclosure relates to training devices thatprovide feedback to batters regarding their swings and to methods forimproving batters' swings.

A number of baseball training devices and training methods are known.For example, such devices and methods involve suspending a target from acable or rope. Such devices and methods also include setting a targetatop a T-shaped pedestal. The target is tethered to the device to allowfor the immediate retrieval of the target. An example is a tetheredt-ball device and method. Another type of device comprises an armmounted to a support with a target affixed to the arm so that, when thearm is struck, it rotates around the support. In each instance, thebatter trains by repeatedly swinging at the target.

Other devices and methods involve swinging a bat through two parallelbarriers so that batters becomes aware of whether their swings are levelwhen the bat comes into contact with one or both barriers. As indicated,there are numerous training devices and training methods. Many sufferthe same deficiencies.

While some devices and methods may improve hand-eye coordination andincrease batters' comfort level regarding the batting process, they donot provide immediate feedback as to what batters have done incorrectly,including alignment of the bat, swing speed, swing force, and swingfollow through.

Many methods and devices also fail to provide levels of resistancenecessary to develop the power of batters' swings and to enhance thebatters' follow through. These types of devices and methods forcebatters to swing through barriers as opposed to swinging at a particulartarget, thereby depriving batters of a realistic “feel” of swinging abat directly at one target. Further, such devices and methods merelyprovide feedback regarding whether batters' swings are level and do notprovide feedback regarding the power and speed of the swing. Anotherdownfall of the barrier approach is the potential for batters to beinjured by the ricochet effect that ensues when a bat comes into contactwith such barriers.

Furthermore, many training devices and methods do not allow for ease ofadjustability according to the size of the batter. A need for thisadjustability exists, for example, where a family has little league age,high school age, and adult baseball players. Such families may desire adevice that can easily be adjusted to account for the height andstrength of each player. A user-friendly device is also desired so thateven young aspiring baseball players can easily operate the trainingdevices and easily use the training methods. Cost may also be an issuefor the typical household. Accordingly, an inexpensive construction isalso ideal in order for both younger, less experienced players andolder, intermediate players to purchase the devices and utilize themethods.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides training devices and methods forimproving a batter's swing.

To maximize the velocity of a baseball when hit by a bat, the battermust make contact with the ball in a desirable manner. A batter makesthe most desirable contact with a ball when the bat is nearlyperpendicular to the ball's direction of travel. Whether the bat makesthis type of contact depends upon the speed with which the batter swingsthe bat and the angle at which the batter holds and swings the bat.

If the batter's hands lead the bat at the time of contact, the bat comesinto contact with the device too late to enable optimum impact. If thebatter swings too slow, the bat leads the batter's hands at the time ofcontact. As such, the bat comes into contact with the device too earlyto enable optimum impact. In both instances, the bat is notperpendicular to the ball's direction of travel. Hence, knowledge ofwhether the batter's hands or the bat led the batter's swing allows abatter to correct a subsequent swing by adjusting the swing speed andswing angle to achieve optimum perpendicular contact.

The devices and methods of the present disclosure provide immediatefeedback the instant the batter uses the device. This can be achieved byobserving the rotation of the device after contact. The direction andspeed of this rotation communicates to the batter the positioning of thebatter's hands as well as whether the batter's hands or the bat led thebatter's swing.

Strength is also an important component of baseball training. Thepresent devices and methods allow a batter to increase in strength thusimproving swinging power and bat speed. This can be accomplished in partby adding weight to the device. The weight may depend on the player'spreference and strength level.

In an embodiment, a training device is provided. The training deviceincludes a target, a top portion, and support members. The target ismade of rubber or rubber-like material and has a width of between 6 to10 inches or wider.

In an embodiment, the top portion is longer than the width of thetarget. The top portion may be 8 inches or longer. The support membersare secured to the top portion and allow the device to be suspended froma support. In an embodiment, the top portion may be a bar secured to thetarget by nuts and bolts. In another embodiment, the top portion may bea pair of arms that extend out from the sides of the target itself.

Embodiments of the training device may also include a support structure.The support structure may either hold the rubber target substantiallyrigid or allow controlled deformation of the target if desired. In anembodiment, the support structure may be a frame having substantiallythe same width and length as the target. In another embodiment, thesupport structure may be one or more plates embedded into the target.

In an embodiment, the training device has one or more fasteners, whichmay adjust the height of the training device by shortening the length ofthe support member or members.

Embodiments of the training device may also include the ability to varythe weight of the device. In an embodiment, the training device has apouch capable of receiving weight. In another embodiment, the trainingdevice utilizes braces and straps to receive the weight. The braces andstraps assist to secure the weight in the pouch. These braces and strapsmay be attached and detached according to the preference of the user. Inan additional embodiment, the weights may be secured to the device, forexample, by using nuts and bolts. A user would mount one or moreweighted plates onto the bolts and secure the weighted plates in placeby threading nuts onto the bolts. Instead of having the user add weightto the device, in another embodiment, the training device may include aninternal weight.

Additionally, in an embodiment, a method for baseball training isprovided. The training method includes: providing a training device,hanging the training device at an appropriate swing height, swinging atthe device with a bat, and observing the rotation of the device toassess the swing. When hit with a correct swing the training devicemoves without substantial rotation and when hit with an incorrect swingthe training device rotates.

In another embodiment, the batter may observe the speed of the rotation.In an additional embodiment, the user may observe the direction of therotation. In yet another embodiment, the user may adjust subsequentswings based on the observed speed of the rotation, and in an additionalembodiment, the user may adjust subsequent swings based on the observeddirection of the rotation.

Additional features and advantages are described herein and will beapparent from the following detailed description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a batter using an embodiment of the training deviceas suspended from a support.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the training device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of the training devicecapable of receiving weights secured by straps and metal braces, whichare depicted in a closed and fastened state.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of the training devicehaving straps and metal braces to secure a weight in a pouch, which aredepicted in an open and unfastened state.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of the trainingdevice.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of the training devicein FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front and side view of a plate that may serve as asupport structure embedded into the training device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the training devicedepicting a weight ready to be mounted onto the bolts of the trainingdevice.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 8 depicting aweight mounted and secured onto the training device.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a weight capable of being attachedto an embodiment of the training device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Baseball training devices are provided as well as methods of using same.

Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a batter 5 using anembodiment of the training device 1 as suspended from a support 9. Inthe illustrated embodiment, two cords 7, 8 are attached to the device 1and to the support 9. The cords 7, 8 may be attached at a common origin3 as shown in FIG. 1, meaning the cords 7, 8 are attached to the samespot of the support 9 and may overlap each other if desired. The cords7, 8 may also be attached to two different spots on the support 9 atwhatever distance the user desires. The training device is then hung ata desired height depending upon height of the intended batter. Thelength of the cords 7, 8 determine the height of the device 1. As aresult, the height of the device 1 may be adjusted by adjusting thelength of the cords 7, 8.

Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the training device 1 includes atarget 10, a support bar 19, and two support members 7, 8. The frontface 4 of the target 10 is the intended point of contact for a bat.

The target 10 is made of an elastomeric material, and, in an embodiment,is made of hardened rubber or other rubber-like material having adurometer hardness between 30 A and 80 A. In an embodiment, thedurometer hardness is 80A. The front face 4 of the target 10 issubstantially flat and its width is approximately the size of the “sweetspot” of a bat. The front face 4 of the target 10 can be any shape, and,in an embodiment, is substantially square or rectangular. In anembodiment, the front face 4 of the target 10 has sides that measurebetween 6 and 10 inches. The thickness of target 10 can range from ahalf-inch to several inches. In an embodiment, the thickness of target10 is ¾ of an inch.

The training device 1 also includes a top portion 19. The top portion 19helps to create the rotational motion of the training device 1 byincreasing the distance between the cords 7, 8 at the points ofattachment with the training device 1. In an embodiment the top portion19 is longer than the corresponding edge of the front face 4 of thetarget 10 and has a length greater than 12 inches.

In an embodiment, the top portion 19 may be a support bar made of anymaterial rigid enough to support the weight of the training device 1. Inan embodiment, the support bar, including top portion 19, is made ofaluminum. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the support bar including topportion 19 is secured to the target 10 by four bolts 31, 32, 33, 34. Inaddition to using the bolts 31, 32, 33, 34, other types of fasteners maybe used.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the cords 7, 8 are attached on opposite endsof the top portion. The top portion 19 can be secured to the cords 7, 8by any method capable of attaching such cords to the device. Thisincludes hooks, carabiners, rings, screws, nails, nuts and bolts,rivets, glue, sticky tape, or any other equivalent method. For example,other embodiments may attach the cords 7, 8 to the top portion 19 byembedding the cords 7, 8 directly into the top portion 19 or by boring ahole through opposite ends of the top portion 19, passing the cords 7, 8through these opposite holes respectively, and adding a knot or othersufficient structure at the end of the cords 7, 8 such that they cannotpass back out through the holes. In an embodiment, the cords 7, 8 aresecured to the top portion 19 by S-shaped hooks 18, 17 as seen in FIG.3.

The cords 7, 8 can be made of any type of natural or synthetic material,including rope, metal, or string. In an embodiment, the cords 7, 8 aremade of rope.

In an embodiment, the bolts 31, 32, 33, 34 as seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3may be used to secure excess slack from the cords 7, 8 to the device inorder to adjust the length of the cords 7, 8. This allows for greaterease in adjusting the height of the training device 1 where more thanone batter intends to use the device.

The training device 1 may also include a structural support. Thestructural support may be used either to hold the target 10substantially flat and prevent deformation, or the structural supportmay be used to provide weight to target 10 and allow deformation whereit is desired.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the training device 1 may also include astructural support constituting a frame 45. The frame 45 holds thetarget 10 substantially flat and prevents the target 10 from bending.The frame 45 can be composed of any material in any shape sufficient tohold the target substantially flat and prevent deformation of the target10. As seen in FIG. 4, the frame 45 is a sheet made of metal withsubstantially the same dimensions as the target 10.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the frame 45 is secured to thetraining device 1 between the target 10 and the support bar 19. Theframe 45 is secured between the target 10 and the support bar 19 bybolts 31, 32, 33, 34 as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the frame 45 maycomprise a plurality of bars arranged in a framework to hold the targetflat.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the training device 1 may also include aweight pouch 41 capable of receiving weight so as to allow a batter tomodify the resistance of the training device 1. In an embodiment, thetotal weight 42 added is 2.5 to 5 pounds although lighter or heavierweights may be used. The weight pouch 41 can hold one or more weights42. As seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the weight pouch 41 is secured to thebatting training device 1 by four bolts 31, 32, 33, 34, which passthrough one side of the pouch 41 and hold the pouch 41 between thesupport bar 19 and the frame 45. The training device 1 may also containan internal weight, possibly obviating the need for a weight pouch 41.

As seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in an embodiment, a weight-securingassembly 20 is provided and contains four wing nuts and wing-nut bolts25, 26, 27, 28 secured to two braces 11, 88. This assembly also containsa weight-pouch 41, which the batter may access by removing the four wingnuts of the wing-nut bolts 25, 26, 27, 28 and engaging the two braces11, 88. Weight may be added depending upon the batter's preference andstrength. The batter may then re-secure the braces 11, 88 and re-securethe wing nuts on the bolts 25, 26, 27, 28.

The weight-securing apparatus 20 also holds the weight 42 firmly to thetarget 10 to prevent excess vibration of the device 1 upon contact. Inan embodiment, the weight-securing apparatus 20 may be composed ofseveral straps 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and two braces 11, 88. The straps 12,13, 14, 15, 16 can be made of any elastic material of sufficient tensilestrength to hold the weights 42 in the weight pouch 41 firmly to thetarget 10. The braces 11, 88 can be made in any manner sufficient toenable the straps 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 to hold the weight pouch 41 firmlyto the target 10. In an embodiment, the braces 11, 88 are metalL-brackets with dimensions of 4 inches by 4 inches.

In an embodiment, the weight-securing system 20 may be constructed asfollows. The first brace 11 is secured to the target 10 by wing-nutbolts 25, 26. The second brace 88 is secured to the target 10 byadditional wing-nut bolts 27, 28. A first strap 12 is secured to one endof the first brace 11 by a bolt 21 and on the other end to the secondbrace 88 by a bolt 24. A second strap 13 is secured to one end to thefirst brace 11 by a bolt 22 and is secured to the other end between thetarget 10 and the support bar 19 by a bolt 32. A third strap 14 issecured to one end to the second brace 88 by a bolt 23 and is secured onthe other end between the target 10 and the support bar 19 by a bolt 33.A fourth strap 15 is secured to one end to the first brace 11 by a bolt21 and is secured to the other end between the target 10 and the supportbar 19 by a bolt 34. A fifth strap 16 is secured to one end to thesecond brace 88 by a bolt 24 and is secured to the other end between thetarget 10 and the support bar 19 by a bolt 31.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, when the training device 1 isready for use, the weight pouch 41 is inaccessible. The weight pouch 41can be made accessible by removing the four wing nuts of the wing-nutbolts 25, 26, 27, 28 and disengaging the braces 11, 88 from the bolts25, 26, 27, 28 to expose the weight pouch 41, as shown in FIG. 4.

It is advantageous that the added weight is evenly distributedthroughout the device 1 and not localized in any particular area of thedevice. Distributing the weight evenly throughout the device gives thebenefit of allowing the device to hang straight down, perpendicular withthe ground.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the device 1 hasa top portion 19 that is an extension of target 10. In an embodiment,the front face 4 of target 10 has a length and width between 8 and 9inches. In an embodiment, the length is 8⅜ to 8½ inches and the width is8⅝ to 8¾ inches. The thickness of target 10 can range from one-half inchto several inches. In an embodiment, the thickness is ¾ to ⅞ inches.

The top portion 19 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 extends from theleft and right sides of the target 10 as two arms 230. The arms 230 aremade of the same hardened rubber or rubber-like material as target 10and constitute a singular piece of elastomeric material. The length thetop portion 19 of the device 1 measures between 13 and 14 inches, and,in an embodiment, the length of top portion 19 is 13¼ to 13½ inches. Inan embodiment, the length of each support arm 230 that extends beyondthe width of target 10 measures 2¼ to 2½ inches.

Now referring to FIG. 6, the embodiment shown depicts a structuralsupport that includes embedded plates 600 and 605. The embedded plates600 and 605 may be made of any material sufficient to provide structuralsupport to the device 1 including, but not limited to metal, plastic,and carbon fiber. In an embodiment, the embedded plates 600 and 605 aremade from steel and are 3/16 inches thick. Using steel for the embeddedplates provides the benefit of allowing the device 1 to hang straightdown and perpendicular with the ground. If weight is not evenlydistributed, the device 1 may tilt as the center of gravity shifts fromone region of the device 1 to another region. Using steel for embeddedplates 600 and 605 provides the weight necessary to achieve aperpendicular suspension of the training device 1.

One or more plates may be used and embedded into target 10 in anyconfiguration. FIG. 7 illustrates a single embedded plate that may beused as a support structure embedded into target 10. Alternatively,multiple embedded plates may be used as seen in FIG. 6. Using multipleembedded plates provides the benefit of allowing elastic deformation(“give”) of the target 10 around the impact point when the target 10 isstruck with a bat. Some embodiments exhibit a certain amount of “give”when the target 10 is struck with a bat, and embodiments having multipleembedded plates exhibit more give than devices with a single plate.“Give” provides the benefit of ensuring that batters will not restraintheir swinging power during practice with the device 1. If one plate isused, an embodiment may exhibit less “give,” which may increase thepotential that a batter's hands might sting after striking the target 1.Batters' swings are best assessed when batters provide a full swing atfull power. This ensures the speed, direction, and rotation of thedevice 1 accurately reflects the effectiveness of the batters' swings.As a result, an embodiment of the device 1 reduces the likelihood that abatter's hands will sting when striking the device by embedding plates600 and 605 in the configuration shown in FIG. 6.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, three plates may be used as support structuresin the device. Plate 600 is embedded into target 10 meaning plate 600 issurrounded by the material making up target 10. Plate 600 extends intothe top portion 19 and support arms 230. In an embodiment, plate 600 hasa length along its longest edge of approximately 13 inches. Plates 605are also embedded into the target 10 in the lower left and lower righthand corners of target 10 respectively. In an embodiment, plates 605 aresubstantially square with rounded corners having sides measuring 2⅝ to2¾ inches.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the support member 310 may also be onecontinuous cord instead of two separate cords as depicted in FIGS. 1-2.The support member 310 is attached to each support arm 230 at attachmentsites 240. In an embodiment, hooks 300 are placed at each end of supportmember 310. Each support arm 230 may form a notch 250 at each attachmentsite 240 to expose a portion 601 of the embedded plate (not shown) andthe attachment holes 260 of the embedded plate. The support member 310is attached to the device 1 by inserting the hooks 300 into theattachment holes 260. In an embodiment, the attachment holes 260 of theembedded plate are formed approximately 1 inch from the each end ofembedded plate 600 that extends into each support arm 230. Similarly, inan embodiment, notches 250 are formed approximately ⅞ to 1½ inches fromthe end of each support arm 230 and should be wide enough to expose theattachment holes 260 of embedded plate 600. In an embodiment, notches250 measure approximately ⅝ inches wide.

Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, a cleat 400 maybe attached to the back 220 of the device 1 by screws 410. The cleat 400may be used to secure excess slack when adjusting the height of thedevice 1 by wrapping the support member 310 around the horns 420 of thecleat 400.

Further referring to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the device 1 may include aweight securing apparatus, depicted as bolts 610 attached to target 10and embedded plates 600 and 605 in the weight-securing region 201. In anembodiment, the weight-securing region 201 is a recessed section oftarget 10 measuring ⅛ of an inch deep.

In an embodiment, the bolts 610 are ¼-20 threaded rods measuring 1.25inches long and made of steel. Any number of rods or similar structuresufficient to secure a weighted plate may be used. In an embodiment,four bolts 610 are used and arranged as shown in FIG. 6. In embodimentsthat use embedded plates 600 and 605 as the structural support, theseembedded plates may also be used to attach bolts 610 to the target 10.In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, ¼-20 tapped holes 615 may beformed in the embedded plates allowing the bolts to be inserted intothese holes.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, embedded plate 600 is shaped toinclude tabs 603 that extend down into the weight-securing region 210 ofthe target 10. In an embodiment, each tab 603 includes a ¼-20 tappedhole allowing for the insertion of a bolt 610. Additionally, embeddedplates 605 extend into the weight-securing region 210 and include a ¼-20tapped hole similarly allowing for the insertion of a bolt 610. In anembodiment, each bolt 610 is placed approximately 4 inches from aneighboring bolt.

The weight-securing region 210 may be completely covered by the materialthat makes up target 10 or the weight-securing region 210 may not becovered thus exposing the tabs 603 of embedded plate 600 and portions606 of embedded plates 605. In embodiments that include the exposedportions of embedded plates 600 and 605, these plates are held in placeby the material of target 10 covering the unexposed portions—the platearms 602 of embedded plate 600 for example. For embedded plates 605, theunexposed portions 607 are covered by portions 604 of the targetensuring plates 605 are firmly secured in the target 10.

As shown in FIG. 8, a weight 700 may be positioned over the bolts 610constituting the weight securing apparatus. Holes 710 are formed in theweight 700 in a configuration that corresponds to the position of thebolts 610 on target 10. Once the weight 700 has been placed onto thebolts 610, nuts 620 may be threaded onto the bolts to secure the weightto the device 1. In an embodiment, the nuts 620 are wing nuts providingthe benefit of allowing users to thread and unthread them with theirbare hands and without the use of an additional tool.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a weight plate 700 that may be usedwith an embodiment of the device using four bolts as the weight securingapparatus. In an embodiment, the weight plate 700 is substantiallysquare with rounded corners. Four holes 710 are formed in the weightplate 700 in a square configuration to correspond with the configurationof bolts on an embodiment of the device. In an embodiment, the fourholes 710 of the weight plate 700 are positioned ½ inch from theneighboring sides of the weight plate 700 and approximately 4 inchesfrom each neighboring hole. Weights can be made of any materialsufficient to provide the desired additional weight to the device. In anembodiment, the weights are made of steel. In an embodiment of thedevice, three weight plates weighing 0.5 lb., 1 lb., and 2 lbs. areprovided.

In an embodiment, grommets 720 may be inserted into each hole 710 andare made of rubber. Grommets 720 provide the bolts inserted through theholes 710 the benefit of “give” when the device is struck with a bat.Additionally, grommets 720 provide the benefit of maintaining a smallgap between the target and the first attached weight plate in additionto gaps between weight plates subsequently added to the device. Thissmall gap further facilitates the “give” exhibited by the device whenstruck with a bat.

Referring back to FIG. 9, an embodiment of the device 1 using bolts 610as the weight securing apparatus having a weight plate 700 attached andsecured to the device 1 by bolts 620 is illustrated. A gap 630 isillustrated between the weight 700 and the target 10. This gap isprovided by the grommets (not shown) inserted into the holes (not shown)of the weight plate 700. When weights are attached as illustrated inFIG. 9, there is the potential that the device 1 may tilt as moreweights are added onto the back of the device 1. This tilt may becorrected by shifting the center of gravity of the device 1 by includingattachment sites in the weighted plates themselves and attaching thesupport member to a weighted plate instead of the top portion of thedevice.

Referring back to FIG. 1, a batter 9 is depicted using the device 1. Thedevice is first secured to a support 9, such as an overhanging bar, atree limb, a hook embedded into a ceiling, a basketball hoop, or anyother structure capable of suspending the device. The cords 7, 8 areattached to the support 9 by tying them to the support, wrapping themaround the support, hooking them onto the support, or taking any otheraction necessary to secure the cords to the support that allows for thesuspension of the device.

In embodiments that have S-shaped hooks attached to the end of the cords7, 8, these S-shaped hooks may be inserted into the attachment holes 260as shown in FIG. 5. In order to adjust the height of the device, a usermay wrap the cords around the horns 420 of the cleat 400 fixed to theback side 220 of the device as shown in FIG. 6. The user may wrap asmuch or as little of the cords around the cleat in order to obtain thedesired height. Once appropriately suspended at the desired height,training may commence.

The batter may strike the device with a bat 6. Depending upon theaccuracy of the batter's swing, the device 1 rotates in a particulardirection and at a particular speed. The direction and speed of therotation communicates to the batter 5 whether he has an over-swing,which means that the bat 6 led his hands during the swing and/or anunder-swing, which means that his hands led the bat 6 during the swing.

The direction of the rotation depends upon whether the batter 5 isbatting right-handed or left-handed. For a right-handed batter 5, thetraining device 1 will rotate counter-clockwise if the batter 5 has anover-swing. The training device 1 will rotate clockwise if the batter 5has an under-swing. Alternatively, for a left-handed batter 5, thetraining device 1 will rotate clockwise if the batter 5 has anover-swing and counter-clockwise if the batter 5 has an under-swing.Furthermore, when the device 1 rotates rapidly, this indicates an evengreater degree of improper batting form. Improper batting form mayinclude holding the bat 6 in the wrong position, striking the target 10at an inappropriate angle, or striking the device 1 in an inappropriatelocation, such as the edge rather than the middle of the target 10.

The immediate communication of this information allows a batter 5 tomake adjustments to subsequent swings. Such adjustments may includealtering speed with which the batter 5 swings the bat 6, adjusting thealignment of the bat 6 so that it hits the device 1 at a perpendicularangle, and repositioning batter's hands and feet.

The user may also add weight to the device during training. Inembodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, featuring anuts-and-bolts weight attachment apparatus, the user may match the holeconfiguration of a weighted plate 700 with the bolt configuration of thedevice. The user may then slide the weighted plate 700 on to the device1 allowing the bolts 610 to engage the holes 710. Additional weightedplates may be added in a similar fashion. To secure the weighted plates700 to the device 1, the user may thread nuts 620 onto the bolts 610. Inembodiments that include wing nuts, users may use their hands to threadthe wing nuts onto the bolts 610. The weighted plates 700 may be removedby reversing this process. Once the device has a weighted plate orplates attached and secured, training may commence or continue asnormal.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to theembodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Such changes and modifications can be made without diminishing itsintended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes andmodifications be covered by the appended claims.

1. A training device comprising: an elastomeric target having a widthand a length, the width being between 6 to 10 inches; a top portionfixed to the elastomeric target having a length greater than the widthof the elastomeric target; and a support member secured to opposite endsof the top portion to allow the suspension of the training device fromsupport.
 2. The training device of claim 1 wherein the top portion has alength of 8 inches or greater.
 3. The training device of claim 1 whereinthe elastomeric target contains a weight.
 4. The training device ofclaim 1 wherein the support member includes a first and second supportmember.
 5. The training device of claim 1 further comprising: a pouchcapable of receiving weight.
 6. The training device of claim 1 furthercomprising: members that can removably receive weight plates
 7. Atraining device comprising: an elastomeric target having a width andlength, the width being between 6 to 10 inches; a top portion with alength greater than the width of the elastomeric target; and a weightthat is removably secured to the training device.
 8. The training deviceof claim 7 further comprising: a support structure having substantiallythe same width and length as the elastomeric target.
 9. The trainingdevice of claim 8 wherein the support structure is a frame attached tothe elastomeric target.
 10. The training device of claim 8 wherein thesupport structure is at least one plate embedded into the elastomerictarget. 11 The training device of claim 7 further comprising: a pouchcapable of receiving the weight.
 12. The training device of claim 7wherein: the top portion is integral with the elastomeric target. 13.The training device of claim 11 further comprising: at least one strapattached to the elastomeric target capable of securing the pouch. 14.The training device of claim 7 further comprising: elongated membersthat are capable of being received within holes in the weight.
 15. Thetraining device of claim 7 wherein the weight is removably secured tothe training device by a nut and bolt arrangement.
 16. The trainingdevice of claim 7 further comprising: at least one fastener attached tothe elastomeric target used to adjust the height of the training device.17. A method for training comprising the steps of: providing a trainingdevice; hanging the training device at an appropriate height; swinging abat at a portion of the training device; and observing the rotation ofthe training device to assess the swing.
 18. The method of claim 17further comprising the step of: adjusting subsequent swings based on theobserved direction of the rotation of the training device.
 19. Themethod of claim 17 further comprising the step of: adjusting subsequentswings based on the observed speed of the rotation of the trainingdevice.
 20. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of:adding weight to the training device.